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Facing a challenge? Try keeping it simple

Ben Hanback, For The Tennessean
1:31 p.m. CDT May 3, 2014

Most issues can be handled in an email or a short conference call. But if a meeting is unavoidable, have an agenda, a time limit, a clear purpose and a defined ending to the meeting.
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Have you heard the old story about the delivery truck that gets stuck under a bridge in a small town? The truck was just too big to clear the small tunnel. So, most of the town gathered around the scene to see what had happened and to figure out how to free the truck from the small pathway.

The town's engineers and businesspeople tried but couldn't figure out what to do. And then, a small girl — watching the scene with her mother — chimed in. She told the truck driver that if he simply let the air out of his tires, the truck would shrink in height and he'd be able to back up the vehicle. It was simple — and it worked.

In today's world, simplicity goes a long way. Here are some streamlining tips for tackling problems we often struggle with at work and at home.

Meetings

People love to meet. Businesspeople love to have meetings. And so, I put some limits on them: If an issue can be handled in an email or a short conference call, there is no reason to meet. If a meeting is unavoidable, then have an agenda, a time limit, a clear purpose and a defined ending to the meeting.

In my Entrepreneur Organization business group, we assign what we affectionately call the "time nazi" to make sure everyone keeps his or her portion of the meeting in check.

Presentations

Ever asked a question in a meeting and instead of a concise answer, all you hear is extemporaneous babble? Our vice president of marketing, Brian O'Meara, always quotes author Jay Frost: "Be bright, be brief, be gone." I love this.

If you've ever seen any of the TED Talks online, you'll notice they are usually 20 minutes or less. They are educational and straight to the point.

Communication

I've been in my industry for a while now, and I'd bet we have more acronyms than the military. NBOC is New Business Old Contract. LTIP is Long-Term Income Protection. What might be commonplace in your world may not be to everyone else, so make sure you always consider your audience.

Homefront

Your home life can be just as hectic as your business life. For instance, how many times have you asked your children to complete a task and the first word out of their mouths is, "Why?" It drives me crazy.

However, when you stop to think about it, they may actually have a point. Today's generation routinely questions everything before they execute anything. You: "Can you go down and open the garage door?" Your child: "Why?" So, try this. Simply explain what you're trying to accomplish before you ask for their help by first saying, "We're expecting a delivery in 15 minutes, can you help me by running down and opening the garage door?"

By helping them understand the purpose and importance of your request, you eliminate confusion. Try it. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Now go save yourself some valuable time! Simplify your tasks at work and at home, then sit back and enjoy some streamlined success.